120129-ncr-partnersParañaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe, Jr. (second from left) is awarded a water-themed painting by Artist Ivan Acuña; the MWSI Special Partnership Award; and a plaque of recognition from Maynilad officials (from left) President and CEO Victorico P. Vargas, Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chief Operations Officer Herbert M. Consunji and Chief Finance Officer Randolph T. Estrellado during the 5th Anniversary Celebrations of the Maynilad Water Services Inc. which was held recently at the SM Mall of Asia. The Special Partnership Award was given in recognition of the contribution of the Parañaque City Government and Mayor Jun Bernabe for the continued expansion of MWSI water services in the city. (Photo By: Jun Budlat)

National Capital Region

PIA Press ReleaseWednesday, January 18, 2012

MMDA, DOST join forces to mitigate disaster

by Lucia F. Broño

QUEZON CITY, January 18 (PIA) –- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) partners with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to mitigate disaster in the metropolis and avoid the recurrence of “Ondoy.”

Yesterday, DOST and MMDA inked an agreement for the installation of 38 water level monitoring sensors (WLMSs) in watersheds and bridges and 13 automated rain gauges (ARGs) in the different areas in Metro Manila.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the system will enhance local flood forecasting and encourage faster response through the collection of real-time rainfall and water level data which will be collected and analyzed every 10 minutes. It will also include a six-hour flood warning system to prevent loss of lives and property.

He added,”The system calls for the installation of locally developed water level sensors, the collection and analysis of real-time data. An on-line visualization included in the system would then give local government units an idea of how deep flood waters are in a certain area for them to make the necessary adjustments and decisions.”

Under the agreement, DOST-PAGASA will supply the equipment and conduct training for MMDA personnel and representatives from the 17 local government units while MMDA will be responsible for securing installation sites and manpower for the installation.

MMDA will also be responsible for the collection and processing of data which they will share with DOST and PAGASA through its Efficient Flood Control Operation System using the 88 closed-circuit television cameras deployed across the metropolis.

The MMDA is currently maintaining four WLMSs at the Rosario-Manggahan Bridge (Pasig City), Tumana Bridge (Marikina City), Napindan Channel (Pasig City) and at the Sto. Nino Bridge (Marikina City).